Conservation of biodiversity
Red Eléctricaconsiders the conservation of biodiversity as a basic principle of our environmental policy. The conservation of biodiversity is integrated into the Company's strategic plan through the biodiversity strategy and action guide which establish the criteria for prevention and action in this matter.
One of our priorities when defining the location of new facilities is to avoid areas rich in biodiversity. When it is not possible to avoid sensitive areas, we implement the necessary preventive and corrective measures to minimise the impact during the construction and maintenance phases.
Protection of fauna.
- Interruption of works during periods of nest building and the raising of young birds and other species.
- Behavioural studies regarding species that may collide with lines: mapping bird flight paths and migratory routes.
- Marking of electricity lines through the use of bird-saving devices to alert birds to the presence of the lines in order to reduce the risk of collisions and the design of a bird-collision detector.
- Light pollution studies.
Habitat protection.
- Elaboration of prior studies to determine the presence of sensitive species.
- Signage and marking off of habitats so as to ensure they are not affected.
- Establishing of accompanying measures in the case where protected areas may be affected.
Protection of flora and the prevention of forest fires.
- Hanging cables by hand or by helicopter and construction of electricity towers using a boom crane.
- Use of special construction techniques in specific cases.
- Relocation of species of environmental value to other areas not affected by works.
- Restoration of areas affected by construction activities with the planting of indigenous species.
- Appropriate definition and maintenance of safety corridors for lines and the use of non-chemical methods in the treatment process of vegetation.
- Collaboration with the areas of the Administration responsible for the development of fire prevention measures.
- Development of research projects for the prevention of fires.
Other projects that contribute to biodiversity conservation.
For Red Eléctrica it is essential to collaborate with the different government administrations and with prestigious organisations on environmental matters (11 new collaboration agreements in 2011 regarding biodiversity matters). Therefore, the Company:
- Participates on projects of common interest aimed at the conservation and improvement of biodiversity.
- Develops environmental projects with local communities through the Company’s Sustainability Laboratory.
- Conducts training and awareness activities both within the Company and outside of the Company.
